Norovirus

What is Norovirus?

Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Anyone can get infected and sick with norovirus.
Norovirus is sometimes called the “stomach flu” or “stomach bug.”

What are the symptoms of Norovirus?

A person usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus. Most people with norovirus illness get better within 1 to 3 days, but they can still spread the virus for a few days afterward

The most common symptoms of norovirus are:

Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach pain

Other symptoms include:

Fever
Body aches
Headache

Norovirus illness can lead to dehydration, especially in young children, older adults, and people with other illnesses.

Signs of dehydration:

Decrease in urination
Feeling dizzy
Dry mouth and throat

How Norovirus Spreads?

Norovirus is very contagious and spreads very easily and quickly in different ways. You can get norovirus by accidentally getting tiny particles of feces (poop) or vomit in your mouth from a person infected with norovirus. It can also spread through:

Eating food or drinking liquids contaminated with norovirus.
Indirect contact with contaminated surfaces or materials (e.g., pencils, tissues, clothing).
Direct contact with someone infected, such as by caring for them or sharing food or utensils.

How to Prevent Norovirus?

Wash your hands well:

Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially:
- After using the toilet or changing diapers
- Before eating, preparing, or handling food

Hand sanitizer is not a substitute for handwashing.

Handle and prepare food safely:

Wash fruits and vegetables well. Stick to fruits you can peel, like bananas or oranges.
Cook oysters and shellfish to at least 145°F.
Disinfect drinking water by boiling it for one minute or using proper disinfectants
Routinely clean and sanitize kitchen surfaces.

Clean and disinfect surfaces:

After vomiting or diarrhea, disinfect the area with chlorine bleach (1,000–5,000 ppm).
Leave the solution on surfaces for 5 minutes before cleaning with soap and water.

Wash laundry thoroughly:

Remove and wash clothes or linens contaminated with vomit or feces immediately
Use hot water and detergent, drying at the highest heat setting.

How You Treat Norovirus?

There is no specific medicine to treat norovirus illness.

Prevent dehydration:

Drink plenty of fluids to replace what is lost from vomiting and diarrhea.
Sports drinks and oral rehydration solutions are effective for mild dehydration.
Severe dehydration may require IV fluids at a healthcare facility.